Senate passes Jansen resolution that would save the state millions of dollars
LANSING—The Michigan Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution sponsored by Sen. Mark C. Jansen that would save the state millions of dollars by rejecting an expansion of state employee health care benefits.
In late January, the Civil Service Commission approved the extension of benefits to unrelated adults and their children living with a state employee. The extension is estimated to cost the state at least $8 million annually.
“If we spend $8 million on this, that money has to be taken from somewhere,” said Jansen, R-Gaines Township. “This extension would just send us deeper into structural deficits for years to come.”
The extension of benefits was decided through an agreement by the Civil Service Commission and Gov. Granholm after Michigan voters approved a Constitutional amendment to prohibit such benefits.
“Michigan is facing a $1.4 billion shortfall,” Jansen said. “We have lost 830,000 jobs over the past decade, and annual median household income has dropped by $12,000. As we continue to struggle economically, we simply cannot afford to extend these benefits.”
Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 now heads to the House for further consideration.
Posted: Wednesday, March 09, 2011
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